New York DMV Permit Practice Test 2: 50 Questions
Practice Test 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions on New York driving rules, including NYC right on red, NYC default speed limit, outside NYC right on red and parallel parking distance. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More New York Practice Tests
What Practice Test 2 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- NYC Right on Red
- NYC Default Speed Limit
- Outside NYC Right on Red
- Parallel Parking Distance
- Fire Hydrant Parking Distance
- Traffic Light Parking Distance
- NO STANDING Sign
- NO PARKING Sign
- Left on Red
- New York DMV Point System
- Lane Control Signals
- School Bus on a Divided Highway
- Seat Belt Law
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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In New York City, what is the general rule about turning right on a red light?
Show answer
C. You may NOT turn right on red unless a sign specifically permits it
In NYC, right turn on red is generally banned. You can only do it where a sign clearly says that right on red is allowed.
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In New York City, the standard speed limit on most streets when no sign is posted is:
Show answer
B. 25 mph
NYC’s default speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted, as part of the city’s safety (Vision Zero) efforts.
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When parallel parking on a New York street, your vehicle’s wheels must be within about:
Show answer
A. 12 inches of the curb
You should park close and nearly parallel to the curb, usually within one foot.
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A “NO STANDING” sign in New York means you may:
Show answer
C. Stop temporarily to pick up or drop off passengers only
NO STANDING means you may stop just long enough for passengers to get in or out. You may not load goods or leave the car.
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A left turn on red is permitted only when:
Show answer
B. You are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and if not prohibited by sign
New York allows left on red only from a one-way to a one-way street, after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it. In New York City, this is rarely allowed.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 2, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. Across most of New York State, when are you allowed to turn right at a steady red light?
Correct answer: After a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign says NO TURN ON RED
Why: In New York State (outside special locations like parts of NYC), you may turn right on red after fully stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it.
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Q2. In New York City, what is the general rule about turning right on a red light?
Correct answer: You may NOT turn right on red unless a sign specifically permits it
Why: In NYC, right turn on red is generally banned. You can only do it where a sign clearly says that right on red is allowed.
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Q3. On interstate highways outside cities, what is often the maximum posted speed limit unless signs say otherwise?
Correct answer: 65 mph
Why: Many New York interstates outside urban areas allow up to 65 mph where posted. Always follow the sign for the exact limit.
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Q4. What do double solid yellow lines in the center of a two-way road mean?
Correct answer: No passing allowed for traffic in either direction
Why: Double solid yellow lines mean you cannot pass from either direction. You may cross only to turn into a driveway or side road when it is safe.
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Q5. A broken yellow line next to your lane on a two-way road means you may:
Correct answer: Pass if it is safe and there is no oncoming traffic
Why: A broken yellow line on your side allows passing when you have enough clear distance ahead and no oncoming traffic.
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Q6. When must drivers use headlights?
Correct answer: From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor
Why: New York requires headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and any time you cannot clearly see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead.
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Q7. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Treat it like a stop sign and proceed when it is safe
Why: A flashing red light works the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then go when traffic and pedestrians are clear.
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Q8. You are leaving a driveway and entering the roadway. You must:
Correct answer: Stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic already on the road
Why: Drivers entering a roadway from a driveway or alley must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already using the road.
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Q9. When you see a school bus with red lights flashing on an undivided road, you must:
Correct answer: Stop regardless of the direction you are traveling
Why: On undivided roads in New York, all vehicles in both directions must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing.
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Q10. On a divided highway, a school bus on the opposite side has its red lights flashing. You:
Correct answer: Must stop in your lane until the lights stop flashing
Why: New York law (VTL 1174) requires traffic from either direction to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, even on a divided highway.
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Q11. New York’s Move Over Law requires drivers to:
Correct answer: Slow down and move over when passing stopped emergency, hazard, or service vehicles with flashing lights
Why: When you see emergency, hazard, or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights, you are required to reduce speed and, when safe, move over one lane away.
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Q12. You must dim your high-beam headlights when you are within:
Correct answer: 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
Why: You must switch to low beams when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming driver to avoid blinding them.
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Q13. When following another vehicle at night, you should switch from high beams to low beams when you are within:
Correct answer: About 200 feet of the vehicle ahead
Why: Use low beams when you are close behind another vehicle, generally within 200 feet, so you do not glare into their mirrors.
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Q14. What is the legal BAC limit for most drivers age 21 and older in New York?
Correct answer: 0.08% BAC
Why: Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal for most drivers age 21 and older in New York and can lead to DWI charges.
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Q15. New York’s “zero tolerance” law for drivers under 21 makes it a violation to drive with a BAC of:
Correct answer: Any measurable amount, from 0.02% to 0.07%
Why: Under the Zero Tolerance law, it is a violation for a person under 21 to drive with any BAC that can be measured (.02 to .07). A first violation means a six-month license suspension.
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Q16. If your brakes fail while driving you should FIRST:
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal to build up pressure
Why: Try pumping the brakes to restore hydraulic pressure. You can also downshift and use the parking brake carefully if needed.
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Q17. Hydroplaning on a wet New York highway happens when:
Correct answer: Your tires ride on a thin layer of water and lose contact with the road
Why: Hydroplaning occurs when water builds under the tires, lifting them from the road surface and reducing steering and braking control.
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Q18. It is raining heavily in New York and you feel your car begin to lose traction. What does the manual tell you to do?
Correct answer: Decrease your speed even more
Why: In heavy rain it always makes sense to drive more slowly. If your vehicle begins to lose traction, decrease your speed even more.
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Q19. Using a handheld cell phone to talk or text while driving is:
Correct answer: Illegal, except in a genuine emergency
Why: New York bans handheld phone use and texting while driving. Hands-free devices are allowed, but you should still limit distractions.
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Q20. At a four-way stop who has the right-of-way?
Correct answer: The first vehicle to stop, or the driver on the right if two stop at the same time
Why: The basic rule is first-come, first-served. If two cars arrive together, the driver on the right goes first.
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Q21. At an uncontrolled intersection in New York (no signs or signals), you should:
Correct answer: Slow, be ready to stop, and yield to vehicles already in the intersection
Why: When signs or signals are missing, approach slowly, check all directions, and be ready to yield to traffic already in or near the intersection.
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Q22. When entering a New York expressway from an on-ramp, you should:
Correct answer: Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of expressway traffic and merge when safe
Why: Use the acceleration lane to build speed and choose a safe gap. Stopping at the end of the ramp can be dangerous.
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Q23. If you miss your exit on an expressway, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and turn around safely
Why: Never back up or cut across the median. Continue to the next exit and re-route from there.
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Q24. The right lane on a multi-lane New York expressway is usually used for:
Correct answer: Slower traffic and entering or exiting traffic
Why: Keep right except when passing or preparing for an exit. This helps traffic flow and reduces lane changes.
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Q25. In New York City, the standard speed limit on most streets when no sign is posted is:
Correct answer: 25 mph
Why: NYC’s default speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted, as part of the city’s safety (Vision Zero) efforts.
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Q26. When parallel parking on a New York street, your vehicle’s wheels must be within about:
Correct answer: 12 inches of the curb
Why: You should park close and nearly parallel to the curb, usually within one foot.
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Q27. You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant in New York?
Correct answer: 15 feet
Why: New York law prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, unless signs allow otherwise.
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Q28. You may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection in New York?
Correct answer: 20 feet
Why: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, so drivers and pedestrians can see each other clearly.
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Q29. You may not park within how many feet of a traffic light, STOP sign, or YIELD sign?
Correct answer: 30 feet
Why: Stay at least 30 feet away from these signs or signals when parking, so other drivers can see them.
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Q30. New York’s seat belt law requires which of the following?
Correct answer: The driver and all passengers to wear seat belts, in both front and back seats
Why: New York now requires seat belt use for the driver and all passengers, regardless of where they sit.
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Q31. Children must usually ride in an appropriate child restraint system until they are:
Correct answer: At least 8 years old
Why: Children generally must be in a proper child safety seat or booster seat until at least age 8 and they meet height/weight guidelines.
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Q32. When approaching a pedestrian in a crosswalk drivers must:
Correct answer: Yield and stop if the pedestrian is in or stepping into the crosswalk
Why: Pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right-of-way. You must slow or stop to let them cross safely.
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Q33. A left turn on red is permitted only when:
Correct answer: You are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and if not prohibited by sign
Why: New York allows left on red only from a one-way to a one-way street, after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it. In New York City, this is rarely allowed.
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Q34. The New York DMV point system can lead to a license suspension if you earn:
Correct answer: 11 or more points within an 18-month period
Why: Collecting 11 or more points in 18 months can result in license suspension and higher insurance costs.
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Q35. On a road, a yellow X over a lane on a lane control signal means:
Correct answer: The lane is changing use and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe
Why: A yellow X warns that the lane is about to close or change direction. Prepare to move out of that lane safely.
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Q36. When you see a steady red X over your lane on a New York lane control signal, you must:
Correct answer: Not drive in that lane
Why: A red X means the lane is closed to your direction of travel. Do not drive in that lane.
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Q37. On the road, you should signal your intention to turn at least:
Correct answer: 100 feet before you turn
Why: Use turn signals well in advance—at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, and more at higher speeds.
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Q38. If your vehicle begins to skid on a road, you should:
Correct answer: Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Why: Look where you want the car to go and steer smoothly in that direction while easing off the gas.
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Q39. When sharing the road with bicyclists you should:
Correct answer: Give them plenty of room and pass slowly, leaving as much space as you safely can
Why: Bicyclists are entitled to a share of the road. Pass them carefully with a wide margin and only when safe.
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Q40. If a New York traffic signal is not working at an intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Treat it as an all-way stop and proceed when safe
Why: When signals fail, the intersection should be treated like a four-way stop. Yield and proceed cautiously.
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Q41. On the road, you may cross a solid white line:
Correct answer: Only when necessary and safe, because it discourages but does not always forbid lane changes
Why: Solid white lines discourage lane changes but may be crossed when needed and when it is safe, unless signs say otherwise.
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Q42. A “NO STANDING” sign in New York means you may:
Correct answer: Stop temporarily to pick up or drop off passengers only
Why: NO STANDING means you may stop just long enough for passengers to get in or out. You may not load goods or leave the car.
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Q43. A “NO PARKING” sign in New York means you may:
Correct answer: Stop briefly to load or unload passengers or goods, but not park and leave your vehicle
Why: NO PARKING zones still allow brief stops to pick up or drop off passengers or property, but no staying longer.
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Q44. If you are involved in a crash in New York that causes injury or significant property damage, you must:
Correct answer: Stop, exchange information, and file any required reports with police or DMV
Why: You must stay at the scene, assist if needed, share information, and file reports when required by law.
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Q45. You are driving in New York and your tire suddenly blows out. You should:
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and allow the vehicle to slow before pulling off
Why: Grip the wheel, gently reduce speed, and move off the road when you have control. Avoid hard braking.
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Q46. When can you legally drive on the shoulder of a New York expressway?
Correct answer: Only in emergencies or when directed by police or signs
Why: The shoulder is meant for emergencies, breakdowns, and authorized use—not as a travel lane.
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Q47. On an expressway, if your vehicle breaks down you should:
Correct answer: Move onto the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and stay away from traffic
Why: Move completely off the roadway if possible, switch on hazard lights, and stay as far from moving traffic as you safely can.
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Q48. You must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles that are using sirens or flashing lights by:
Correct answer: Pulling over to the right edge of the road and stopping
Why: Whenever possible, move to the right side of the road and come to a stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
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Q49. A steady yellow traffic light in New York means:
Correct answer: The signal is about to turn red; you should stop if you can do so safely
Why: A steady yellow warns that the light is about to turn red. Stop before the intersection if you can safely do so.
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Q50. When approaching a stop line at an intersection with a STOP sign, where must you stop?
Correct answer: At the stop line, or before entering the crosswalk or intersection if there is no line
Why: You must stop at the stop line, or if none, before the crosswalk or intersection, so you do not block pedestrians or traffic.